Guess it's official now, Ferrari is dumping Kimi next year for Leclerc. I thought for sure Kimi would retire if he didn't get another extension at Ferrari. Leclerc certainly looked strong earlier this year but the last few races he's kind of leveled out or dropped off a bit. He could have used another year at Sauber or even Haas, IMO.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...konen/3174725/
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At least we'll see him in a Sauber, but still...
I honestly don't get why they're doing this now? They need a "wingman" for Vettel if they want him to win the championship, a role that Kimi plays extremely well. Kimi and Sebastian have a phenomenal relationship, with Vettel saying multiple times that he'd prefer Kimi as a teammate. Is Leclerc going to play that same role next year? Are they going to lose a championship when Leclerc rams Vettel from behind due to inexperience?
I get that Leclerc is their future, by why not wait until next year and if Vettel doesn't bring it home, let him go and bring in two new guys if you're going to rebuild?
I like Leclerc and think he could be the next Scuderia Champion, but I feel like this is too early.
I feel like it might be about $$$. Why pay Raikkonen millions of dollars when you can pay Leclerc hundred thousands...
Looks like a Sauber hat is in my future.
'14 Evora S - Chrome Orange/Ebony
'02 M5 - Carbon Black/Silverstone
'15 M235i xDrive - Mineral Grey/Black
Ocon brings no monies. RB wont give him a ride because Mercedes. Renault LoL.
Williams put themselves in their current position, much as McLaren has done to themselves.
Kimi hasnt been competitive in several years. He shouldve blocked Ham and let Vettel through to run away from the field. Ham wouldve eventually passed Kimi, but never catch Vettel.
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Strange for a WDC to go to a backmarker. At least with Alonso, Mclaren had a good budget and Honda backing. He must really need the dough
Because they care about having their drivers winning another WDC, and Kimi gave Ferrari their best chance of obtaining that by helping Vettel every race.
While not a threat to win the WDC on his own anymore, Kimi is most certainly competitive... Podiums in 5 of the last 6 races, pole at Monza, 3rd in Constructor standings, and has given up a lot of points due to car failure and Ferrari's horrendous strategies to favor Vettel.
As for the Monza incident, the prevailing thought it that all Ferrari contracts have the provision that anyone who takes pole can race for the win. That's likely why Vettel was so upset with the team when Kimi got pole instead of him, because it meant he would actually have to race Kimi instead of getting his help the whole race. I'm a fan of Vettel too, and I understand team orders, but that's entirely on him and not Kimi.
I don't think Sauber is destined to be a backmarker for much longer. With Leclerc scoring points they've proven it's worlds better than the McLaren and Williams, and with Kimi behind the wheel I bet they'll consistently be scoring points and fighting with FI/Haas next year. I really think this is them gearing up to have Sauber as their "B Team" from now on.
e30 325i, the mighty 4 door granma mobile....Gone
e39 528i, 4 door sports tank
Would have preferred Kimi & Leclerc.
Vettel is a snooze.
It's just crazy to think Williams and McLaren are basically the two worst teams at the moment.
I have to admit it will be interesting to see what Kimi will do when he isn't being held back by crap strategy or team orders.
'14 Evora S - Chrome Orange/Ebony
'02 M5 - Carbon Black/Silverstone
'15 M235i xDrive - Mineral Grey/Black
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Best car on the grid and zero wins.
Kimi having fun at the presser :ROFL
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Interested in vintage cars? Ever thought about racing one?
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Elva Courier build thread here!
So if Kimi were the consistently faster driver, and they then put him on the lead driver strategy, he would win more races? I guess that does make some sense.
I love Kimi. Kimi is a fast driver. To say that he is as fast or faster than Vettel consistently is disingenuous at best.
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